• 
• 
• 

The Emirate of Sharjah

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi is the Ruler of Sharjah since 1972.

Sharjah, the third biggest Emirate, is a peaceful city lying by the Arabian Gulf. It is bounded by Ajman from the north and Dubai from the south. In 1998, Sharjah was elected as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by the UNESCO for its continuous developments in arts, education and culture. Besides cultural attractions, Sharjah features a number of parks, lagoons, shopping malls and clubs to provide a complete tasteful experience.

Located in the center of U.A.E, the distance to Dubai is just a 15-min drive (i.e. 15 Kms. approx.) connected by one of the most advanced road networks in the country. Abu Dhabi, just a 90-min drive away, is about 200 km from Sharjah and 185 kms. from Dubai.

Holidays

Official Holiday: Friday

Public Holidays: Fixed

National Day - December 2nd

New Year's Day- January 1st

As the Islamic calendar is based on lunar observation, the dates of religious holidays vary from year to year. They are : Islamic New Year's, Prophet's Birthday, Lailat Al Israa and Al Miroj, Eid Al Fitr (3days), Eid Al Adha (4 days).

Currency

The Dirham is the local currency and is composed of 100 fils. One US $= 3.6728Dirhams. The Dirham denominations are as follows:

• Coins : 5 fils, 25 fils, 50 fils, Dh 1 and Dhs 5.
• Notes: Dhs. 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

Time

GMT plus 4 hours

Electricity

220 volts-50HZ AC. Hotels supply adaptors on request

Emergency Services

Dial 999 for Ambulance, Fire or Police

Languages

Arabic (official) and English (commercial). Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam, Tagalog and Farsi are also widely spoken because of the presence of a large expatriate population. Downtown shopkeepers are lately beginning to speak a little Russian due to the high influx of tourists from the C.I.S.

Media

Excellent daily Arabic and English newspapers are available. Local and International magazines are abundant.

Sharjah, Ajman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi TV stations transmit in Arabic, English, French and Urdu in addition to satellite channels and broadcast AM and FM stations.

Places of Interest

The Sharjah Souk, Al Jazira Park, Buhairo Corniche, Khalid Lagoon, Rolla Square, Al Wahda street, the Expo Centre, Dhow Wharf, Al Hisn Fort, Al Naboodah House, The Museum of Natural History amongst many others.

Discover Sharjah

• Visit Al Qasba’s cultural, dining and leisure activities and capture the panoramic sights from the Eye of The Emirates.
• Enjoy a night’s stay on the East Coast. Take the scenic route across the Al Hajar Mountains through Wadi Bih.
• Experience the adventure of 4-wheel driving across the dunes to Fossil Rock.
• Explore the underwater beauty of the coral reefs in the Gulf of Oman.
• Visit a mall or relax in the cool comfort of a cinema before heading for one of the many restaurants of Qanat Al Qasba.
• Indulge in a full day of beauty, well-being and relaxation at a spa or beauty centre.
• Spend a day discovering the many craft and curio shops in the Central Souq and another in Souq Al Arsah.
• Stroll along the Sharjah Corniche and admire the dhows destined for the Qrient or take a scenic walk around Al Khan Lagoon.
• Take a cruise on a dhow around the lagoons and admire the sights.
• Unearth the secrets of nature and spend a day at Sharjah Desert Park.
• Visit Al Mahatta Museum to discover the first airport of the region.
• Stroll through the restored Heritage and Arts Areas for a glimpse of Sharjah’s past.
• There is also the Golf & Shooting Club.

Malls in U.A.E

• Sahara Center is one of Sharjah’s Landmarks and the UAE’s complete family shopping and entertainment destination. Sahara boosts a unique and highly attractive mix of Anchor Tenants renowned International Brands and finest regional stores and kiosks
• The Central Market (Blue Souq) is the biggest of Sharjah markets, built according to Islamic design. Its location on the famous Khaled Lagoon enhances its beauty and magnificence. The market comprises of two wings connected with tunnels - like overhead bridges. One wing is designated for all kinds of goods, gifts and electronics, while the other is designated for a series of gold, gems and jewelry shops
• Mega Mall – The Emirates' premiere shopping and leisure destination awaits you! Whether it is shopping for hi-fashion brands, a ride on the roller coaster, or lunch with family and friends, Mega Mall has something for everyone to enjoy time and again. Taxis

Taxis

Taxis are the major transport means and they are readily available day and night . A cruising taxi can be hailed or one can be called on telephone. It is better to agree on the charge beforehand, as taxis in Sharjah do not use meters. Many hotels offer a free bus service to prominent downtown locations.

Visa Information

Taxis are the major transport means and they are readily available day and night . A cruising taxi can be hailed or one can be called on telephone. It is better to agree on the charge beforehand, as taxis in Sharjah do not use meters. Many hotels offer a free bus service to prominent downtown locations

• The procedures / rules detailed here below are for Information only and are subject to change without prior notice.
• Passport must have minimum 6 months validity at the time of applying for an Entry Permit.
• All photographs are to be recent color photographs. (Polaroid Photographs are not accepted)
• Those who are already in the U.A.E cannot get another entry permit until he/she departs from U.A.E.
• All visas are to be obtained prior to the entry of the Passenger into the UAE except in the case of a GCC country visa holders (certain designations only) and Nationality holders of British, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Malta, Monaco, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Estonia, U.S.A, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Spain
• Working hours is from 8 am to 2 pm. Saturday to Wednesday except public holidays. Thursdays and Fridays are normal weekend holidays.

Accommodations

For your convenience, Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal will assist you in hotel arrangements. Mr. Nader Ghannam has sent you a hotel registration form, if you haven’t sent the hotel form yet; please send it completed as soon as possible. For all participants, please send us your travel details, including dates, times and flight numbers of your arrival and departure. This information is necessary to finalize and reconfirm your hotel reservation and to arrange your airport pick up.

Religion

Arab Islamic culture predominates in Sharjah but everyday life is marked with a high degree of tolerance towards a large expatriate community. Islam first arrived in this region during the lifetime of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Communities of Christians and other religious denominations practice their religion freely within the UAE.

Population

The 1995 census estimated the population in this emirate to be 500,000 as compared to the 1985 census, which had marked the population to be 265,000. The native people in Sharjah are Arabs whose ancestors arrived in the area some 6000 years ago.

Climate

The U.A.E is blessed with glorious sunshine throughout the year. Between November to April the weather is ideal, being warm & sunny with cool evenings and daytime temperature ranging from 18-30 degrees Celsius. From May till September the climate is hot with mid-day temperatures in July/August reaching up to 40-degrees Celsius. There is 100% humidity during these 2 months. Nights are also warm with average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.